The Palaszczuk Government is expanding its successful appliance cashback scheme to small and medium sized businesses under a new program.

The $16 million Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) program will target the state’s more than 450,000 small-to-medium businesses, helping them to save money off power bills.

QBEST is a key component of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, launched one year ago. 

From tomorrow, the Palaszczuk Government will rebate businesses up to 50 percent of the cost of installing new energy efficient equipment.

Eligible businesses will be able to claim up to $12,500 cash back, and must spend a minimum of $8000 (GST exclusive) to receive the minimum rebate of $4000.

The program is part of a $35 million initiative dedicated to helping Queensland businesses lower energy usage and costs, with the first program, QBEST Ag announced in August.

Energy-efficient equipment eligible for the rebate includes:

• Eligible consumer appliances – 4-star energy rating or better
• energy efficient commercial refrigerator or freezer (e.g. walk-in refrigerator, refrigerated display case, refrigerated vending machine)
• an electronically commutated fan motor if the installation is to replace another type of fan motor
• LED lighting
• a motion sensor, light level sensor or timer for lighting appliance
• a motor classified in the IE3 or IE4 category under the IEC standard, if the installation is to replace the EI1 or EI2 category under this standard
• a variable-speed air compressor
• a variable-speed chiller if the installation is to replace a fixed-drive chiller
• a variable-speed drive unit for a pump or fan.

Full eligibility requirements can be found on the DEPW website.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“Queensland has the biggest measures to ease cost of living pressures in Australia.

“These have already cut power bills for every Queensland household.

“Now businesses can benefit with cheaper, more energy efficient appliances which helps save on their energy bills into the future.

“This we can do because our economy is strong.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Mick de Brenni:

“We know Queensland businesses are passionate about cutting their energy usage and doing their bit to help lower emissions.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Businesses Energy Saving and Transformation program means businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, and reduce the cost of their bills for years to come- savings we expect to see passed onto the consumer for necessary purchases, as businesses save on bills.

“Whether you’re the best butcher or baker on the block, or the only pub in town, this rebate will go a long way to helping local businesses save on running expenses, while helping to protect the environment at the same time.”